Category Archives: men’s

This red shirt was custom-made, but by a western-wear retailer out West, sometime in the ’40’s, ’50’s or maybe the early ’60’s. Bespoke attire was a common luxury, even here in the U.S. Of course, it’s been a tradition and beautifully done in Europe for decades (centuries?)

I’ve recently seen some ads for what looks like business and formal clothing that can be ordered custom-made, with one fitting or at-a-distance alterations near the end of the process. An improvement on ready-to-wear, but not like having it constructed from the first detail by a tailor having that in-person relationship with you and your body, giving you a perfect fit, exact style preference and real-time preview.

And what a nice luxury it was to have that done for you, or to have the leisure time to do it yourself . . . . . . . . . ..

Back when sweaters had to be dry-cleaned or hand-washed, this was a revelation for homemakers and a big time-saver. However, I must say that even today they still haven’t gotten it just right – pilling remains an issue. So, I don’t mind treating my vintage acrylics with special care.

This one is so “from that time” and it’s always fun to find a guy’s clothing item. But, even though it’s a LARGE size, looks more like something for a medium-sized woman now. Maybe it will even fit me under the right styling conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

What could be more classic than this? Made by a company called Peters; they produced this basic style for several decades. We can still find some companies making similar ones, but I always like the REAL true vintage. Just saw a classic film last night, made in 1950, where many young men were wearing “this” jacket!

Dacron easy-care water-repellent – nothing is more smart and practical than a well-made jacket like this. And, it’s in almost perfect condition (they stood up well!). In spite of that, they’re not easy to find because they were usually worn, and worn, and worn – and eventually gave up the ghost. Someone took very good care of this one, just for me . . . . . .

What fun to find this!! Love true vintage men’s and boys’ shirts and tops. Since men usually tend to be much harder on their clothing than women do, it’s unusual to encounter garments that have survived, especially in wonderful condition like this one.

I’m over-the-moon with this one!! Last year I found a wonderful sweater made like this, with soft, find suede – but this one is a full jacket WITH A ZIP-OUT PILE LINING! – and braided leather buttons. Just LOVE the quality and style of jackets made between 1940 and 1960.

It was another magic moment for the vintagespy because this coat is in virtually perfect condition. Just like stepping into a Happy Days episode or going Back to the Future. What fun! More to come . . . . . . . stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

This one is an interesting find. Might have been part of a work uniform back in the day, but it’s a shirt made like a jacket with hip pockets and that funky stripe. Today it would be fun as a sports shirt with jeans. The maker was Catalina – that iconic California maker of sportswear, so who knows . . . . . . . . . . . .

I’m sure that it was intended to be a man’s top when it was made, but today it’s very unisex. To me, it’s got a Grease vibe. Could also go over a tank top or muscle shirt. If it were smaller, I’d keep it myself if not for the orange color. No can do.

So, this was for fun and will go into the archives for the time being. That’s OK. It’s the hunt and the quest that are the real reward!